First Impressions of the CF Delica
First Impressions of the CF Delica
I just received my carbon fiber Delica, plain edge #220. After handling it a bit, I'm fairly impressed.
Fit and finish on the knife is equal to any Spyderco I own, and quite a step above the FRN Delicas. The carbon fiber has a nice gloss finish, with a lot of depth and life in the weave. It doesn't offer any more grip than stainless steel handles in my opinion, but it's quite a bit more attractive. It's fairly thin in section, and rides in the pocket nicely.
The clip is a departure in itself; it's quite a bit smaller than other Spyderco clips, although I think it's very well proportioned to the knife size. Perhaps as a result of its smaller size, its grip is quite a bit tighter than my FRN Delica clip, too. The clip is fastened by three screws and can be switched for tip up or tip down carry. Mine's set up for tip down right now; I think I'll leave it that way.
Blade closure is perfectly centered (my personal pet peeve; I can't stand a folder blade that rubs against one scale when closing) and lockup is better than any Spydie lockback I've handled. Walk and talk is very nice. Lockback spring pressure is right where it should be, neither too loose or tight.
There's not much to say about the VG10 blade; like all Spydercos, the grind is beyond reproach and it arrived nicely sharp and evilly pointy <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
When I first heard of the CF Delicas I remember thinking that it seemed like overkill for such a daily workhorse model; now I'm rethinking that. All in all, I could see this knife becoming a daily carry rather than just a pretty safe queen.
Dan
Fit and finish on the knife is equal to any Spyderco I own, and quite a step above the FRN Delicas. The carbon fiber has a nice gloss finish, with a lot of depth and life in the weave. It doesn't offer any more grip than stainless steel handles in my opinion, but it's quite a bit more attractive. It's fairly thin in section, and rides in the pocket nicely.
The clip is a departure in itself; it's quite a bit smaller than other Spyderco clips, although I think it's very well proportioned to the knife size. Perhaps as a result of its smaller size, its grip is quite a bit tighter than my FRN Delica clip, too. The clip is fastened by three screws and can be switched for tip up or tip down carry. Mine's set up for tip down right now; I think I'll leave it that way.
Blade closure is perfectly centered (my personal pet peeve; I can't stand a folder blade that rubs against one scale when closing) and lockup is better than any Spydie lockback I've handled. Walk and talk is very nice. Lockback spring pressure is right where it should be, neither too loose or tight.
There's not much to say about the VG10 blade; like all Spydercos, the grind is beyond reproach and it arrived nicely sharp and evilly pointy <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
When I first heard of the CF Delicas I remember thinking that it seemed like overkill for such a daily workhorse model; now I'm rethinking that. All in all, I could see this knife becoming a daily carry rather than just a pretty safe queen.
Dan
Here's a couple of scanner shots.
<img src="http://dburke.home.texas.net/pictures/cfdelica.jpg">
Dan
<img src="http://dburke.home.texas.net/pictures/cfdelica.jpg">
Dan
- dialex
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It's a beauty. I must get a digital camera and also post some pics of my CF Delica SE. Mine is an unique item, BTW <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
I picked up a CF Delica this week. Clip seems to be working just fine. The blad grind is nice and even also. My only grip is the surface of the CF is rough, and slightly raised, around the screws and lanyard. The CF is also starting to flake around the lanyard. Not the hightest quality Spyerco I own but it should make a good "user" knife.
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I bought a CF Delica and was quite disappointed with the fit and finish. The blade, frame and lock were all good of course, but the finish on the carbon fiber itself looked "chintzy", too glossy, and had numerous chips,flakes and irregularities around the lanyard and screw holes.
I bought a second, and a third (hey, they're limited editions, right?) and all three have similar problems.
I took one and sanded down the carbon fiber (yes with a fask mask) and then (with mask still on) I hit it with a wire brush on my grinder.
The result is a beautiful matted finish, almost like G-10 but with CF depth, and a dull luster. Its scratch resistant, has a good grip, and looks great!
I love it!
Sal, A) how much would you charge me to do the same on the other CF knives I own? and B) might you consider offering them that way to start with?
I bought a second, and a third (hey, they're limited editions, right?) and all three have similar problems.
I took one and sanded down the carbon fiber (yes with a fask mask) and then (with mask still on) I hit it with a wire brush on my grinder.
The result is a beautiful matted finish, almost like G-10 but with CF depth, and a dull luster. Its scratch resistant, has a good grip, and looks great!
I love it!
Sal, A) how much would you charge me to do the same on the other CF knives I own? and B) might you consider offering them that way to start with?
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